If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Results. IO had the largest physiologic cross-sectional area and RA the smallest, and would thus generate the largest and smallest isometric forces, respectively. RA had the longest fascicle length, followed by EO, and would thus be capable of generating force over the widest range of lengths. Measured sarcomere lengths, in the postmortem neutral spine posture, were significantly longer in RA and EO (3.29 +/- 0.07 and 3.18 +/- 0.11 [mu]m) compared to IO and TrA (2.61 +/- 0.06 and 2.58 +/- 0.05 [mu]m) (P < 0.0001). Biomechanical modeling predicted that RA, EO and TrA act at optimal force-generating length in the midrange of lumbar spine flexion, where IO can generate approximately 90% of its maximum force.

Conclusion. These data provide clinically relevant insights into the ability of the abdominal wall muscles to generate force and change length throughout the lumbar spine range of motion. This will impact the understanding of potential postures in which the force-generating and spine stabilizing ability of these muscles become compromised, which can guide exercise/rehabilitation development and prescription. Future work should explore the mechanical interactions among these muscles and their relationship to spine health and function.

(C) 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Sharon, mother of identical twin girls with scoliosis

No island of sanity.

Question: What do you call alternative medicine that works?Answer: Medicine